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Old 07-06-2011, 10:26 PM   #1
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Do I need a Weight distributing hitch?

I am picking up our new Roo 233S next week and I'm wondering if I should have a weight distibuting hitch. My tow vehicle is an 05 Ford F-250 FX4. The specs say the hitch weight is 532 lbs. I wouldn't think I'd need the hitch but this is my first TT so I figured I'd better ask the experts!
Thanks!
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Old 07-06-2011, 11:55 PM   #2
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it wouldnt hurt you definitely have plenty of truck to haul the roo it may just help give you a piece of mind that everything is just as it should be but on short trips and at highway speed 55 or lower you probably wont need it if it starts to sway a lot you may want to add a anti sway bar to stop that .Good luck with your new Roo Also ask your dealer what they think about the WD bars
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Old 07-07-2011, 12:08 AM   #3
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Yes, with sway control.
from a Roo owner with a similar size trailer and truck.
do not believe fictional "dry" hitch/tongue weights.
and your owner's manual should state at what hitch weight you should use a WDH.
mine has dry hitch weight of 458lbs. and loaded for camping, it's close to 700lbs.
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Old 07-07-2011, 12:28 AM   #4
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I would recommend the WD hitch, my truck is a Dodge 2500, the trailer tongue is 465 per brochure dry weight specs. As bikendan stated, the loaded for camping weight is much more.

Either way, when I hitch up before the WD bars are connected, the truck drops maybe an inch, when I attach the WD bars, the truck is back to normal. So really there's not much weight that I am redistrubiting.

The difference is when driving, the WD bars eliminate the bouncing such as crossing over cattle guards, rough roads, asphalt to concrete at a bridge, train tracks, anywhere the truck could bounce a bit. I have driven it both ways, with and without the WD bars, it is like adding a high quality shock absorber to the connecting point.
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Old 07-07-2011, 02:31 AM   #5
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Some states require a WD hitch on any camper, regardless. I would recommend it, even if your state does not mandate it.
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Old 07-07-2011, 06:39 AM   #6
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Ford towing guide recommends a WD hitch when towing 5,000 lbs or more. With a tounge weight of 532 lbs, you'll probably need one.
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Old 07-07-2011, 09:59 AM   #7
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Absolutely, imo.
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Old 07-07-2011, 10:01 AM   #8
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By all means, getrdun.
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Old 07-07-2011, 10:44 AM   #9
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i think you would be okay to get it home but if its a serious distance and when you load it up with your camping gear etc you will probably want that hitch!

i towed mine home (pic in avatar) with no WD hitch and i was fine (cept the underpowered 5.4)
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Old 07-07-2011, 11:03 AM   #10
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Wouldn't pull a TT without one! Our truck barely knows the TT is back there!
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Old 07-07-2011, 11:14 AM   #11
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I wasn't sure I would need one with my Chevy Avalanche and a 21SS Hybrid. I have air bags in the rear springs and I dont sink any with the trailer attached. Still has a slight rake. I got them anyway and with sway control it does ride nice and tight. Better safe than sorry.
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Old 07-07-2011, 01:43 PM   #12
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Sounds like I should get one. What does everyone recommend as far as brand of hitch or weight rating for a 233s?
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Old 07-07-2011, 02:23 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cliffordredfx4 View Post
Sounds like I should get one. What does everyone recommend as far as brand of hitch or weight rating for a 233s?
you could do a search on the forum for WDHs.
but you'll find that the most recommended WDHs are the Equal-i-zer and the Reese Dual-Cam.
both have built-in sway control, instead of a cheap friction anti-sway bar.
RVW has the best prices on the Equal-i-zer and free shipping.
the Equal-i-zer doesn't require any drilling.
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